OUTGOING Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has ordered the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) to formulate a comprehensive drainage master plan for a creek in Sitio Cahipa, Barangay Hipodromo, following persistent flooding in surrounding communities.
Residents living near the creek have voiced complaints about a concrete fence owned by Aznar Basque Properties Inc., which they claim has obstructed the natural flow of water.
Residents allege that this obstruction leads to backflow into their homes, particularly during heavy rainfall.
The concrete slab has reportedly caused water buildup from the Mahiga Creek, impacting residents of Hipodromo and the Carreta Cemetery area.
Garcia, who visited the site on Monday, May 26, 2025, said the lot owners explained that the river is not found in any of the maps they possess despite its clear physical presence.
“Thinking that it wasn’t in their title (and) in the old maps, they closed it despite the fact that you can really see that there is a natural waterway coming out of the outfall area of M.J. Cuenco,” Garcia said in Cebuano.
Upon learning of the issue after a heavy downpour during the weekend, Garcia said he immediately convened a meeting with the property owners, informing them of the flooding in nearby communities.
He acknowledged that the property owner was “kind enough” to partially break the fence to allow water to flow, a move that provides temporary relief. However, the mayor said this was just a short-term fix.
“So that Mr. Aznar can use his property, the long-term solution is to build an underground canal. We will install large septic tanks,” Garcia explained. He then requested the DEPW to develop a master drainage plan for the area.
Once completed, this plan will be presented to other private developers whose properties also intersect with the river area, including Ayala Development Corp.
Garcia said discussions will soon be held with the private developers to determine their willingness to implement the plan and contribute to the cost.
“Let’s see if they are willing to implement the plan and if they are willing to chip in for the cost so that it will not only be the City who will spend for it. Besides, their projects will also benefit,” Garcia said.
When asked about the discrepancies in the old map, Garcia said it would be difficult to pinpoint the cause.
“I really don’t know,” he said, noting that the maps are very old. / EHP